The Duchess of Cambridge Pays Satorial Tribute To Lady Di

There was lots of fabulous fashion on the BAFTAs red carpet last night – (Michelle Williams in sparkly Louis Vuitton and Emma Stone in Chanel couture, we’re talking about you) - but the best dressed prize was easily won by the Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate Middleton and Prince William at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA's)

The Duchess chose McQueen designer Sarah Burton to make her wedding gown, but the BAFTAs look was ready-to-wear, from the label’s Resort ’16 collection. The tiered skirt felt fresh and slightly whimsical, but also sexy – it fitted like a glove through the hips. The neckline suits Kate, who is rigorously slim with impeccably toned shoulders and a smooth décolletage. She gives good clavicle.

Studying the pictures, it’s impossible not to think of another royal about whom that could be said.

Diana dancing with John Travolta at the White House in 1985.

Getty

Prince William’s mother wore several off-she-shoulder looks which went down in fashion history - including the black Victor Edelstein gown she danced in at the White House with John Travolta in 1985.

In 1994 Diana wore off-the-shoulder to the Serpentine summer party shortly after Prince Charles had admitted his adultery on live TV. Black again, this dress was skin-tight, knee-bearing and worn with pointy stilettos. It was dubbed the “Revenge Dress".

Princess Diana in what became known as "the revenge dress,"

PA photos

Fashion’s obsession with the woman who would have been Kate’s mother-in-law shows no sign of diminishing. At Kensington Palace the exhibition, Diana: Her Fashion Story is drawing crowds, just as elements of Diana’s signature ‘80s style are back in fashion: pie crust collars and pussy bows are everywhere from Gucci and Burberry to Topshop and Zara.

Diana will always fascinate, but her son’s wife is quite capable of making off-the-shoulder her own. Pussy bows too, if she felt like it. We’d like to see her in one of Gucci’s blouses.